Outdoor unit

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, an outdoor unit equipped with a communication unit and a controller. The communication unit communicates data in a noncontact manner to an information terminal close to the outdoor unit. The controller permits the setting of data that has been input from the information terminal via the communication unit only during a fixed period of time after the outdoor unit has been turned on.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No.PCT/JP2015/082135, filed Nov. 16, 2015 and based upon and claiming thebenefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-234413,field Nov. 19, 2014, the entire contents of all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an outdoor unit for arefrigeration cycle apparatus such as an air conditioning apparatus.

BACKGROUND

There is a known setting-diagnosis system. In the system, atransmitter-receiver having a function of near-field communication(NEC). is provided in the outdoor unit of a refrigeration cycleapparatus such as an air conditioning apparatus. Contactless datacommunication is performed between the transmitter-receiver and aninformation terminal to set various types of data related to theoperation of the outdoor unit and diagnose the state of the outdoorunit.

The administrator or serviceman of the air conditioning apparatus canperform the above setting or diagnosis by coming close to the outdoorunit of the air conditioning apparatus and holding an informationterminal close to the transmitter-receiver of the outdoor unit. (JP5197549 B)

Since the above outdoor unit is provided outside, anyone can approachthe outdoor unit as well as the administrator and serviceman. Thus,there is a possibility that a malicious third party approaches theoutdoor unit and makes an unauthorized change to the preset data.

Embodiments described herein aim to provide an outdoor unit which canavoid an unauthorized change to the preset data and is excellent insecurity and reliability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an external appearance according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control circuit according to theembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control of a controller according tothe embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, an outdoor unit comprises acommunication unit and a controller. The communication unit performscontactless data communication with an information terminal close to theoutdoor unit. The controller permits data setting from the informationterminal via the communication unit only for a certain period after theoutdoor unit is turned on.

An embodiment will be explained below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outline of an outdoor unit 1 is formed by acubic housing 2. The housing 2 includes front plates 3 and 4, a rightside plate 5, top plates 6 and 7, a left side plate, a rear plate, and abottom plate. Front plates 3 and 4, the right side plate 5, the leftside plate, the rear plate and the bottom plate are formed of metal,excluding top plates 6 and 7.

Front plate 3 is divided into an upper front plate 3A and a lower frontplate 3B in a vertical direction. Each of upper and lower front plates3A and 3B is removable. Upper front plate 3A comprises a large number ofrectangular ventilation openings (inlets) 3 a which are vertically andhorizontally arranged. Front plate 4 is divided into an upper frontplate 4A and a lower front plate 4B in a vertical direction in a mannersimilar to that of front plate 3. Each of upper and lower front plates4A and 4B is removable. Upper front plate 4A comprises a large number ofrectangular ventilation openings (inlets) 4 a arranged in a verticaldirection. The right side plate 5 comprises a large number ofrectangular ventilation openings (inlets) 5 a which are vertically andhorizontally arranged. The left side plate comprises a large number ofventilation openings (inlets) which are vertically and horizontallyarranged in a manner similar to that of the right side plate 5. Each oftop plates 6 and 7 comprises a circular ventilation opening. Cylindricalfan housings 8 and 9 are formed so as to cover the ventilation openingsof top plates 6 and 7, respectively.

The inside of the housing 2 is divided into an upper heat exchangechamber 2A and a lower machinery chamber 2B by an intermediate divider 2x. The heat exchange chamber 2A is closed by upper front plates 3A and4A. The machinery chamber 2B is closed by lower front plates 3B and 4B.

An outdoor heat exchanger 10 and outdoor fans 11 and 12 are housed inthe heat exchange chamber 2A. The outdoor heat exchanger 10 has aU-shape as seen in plan view. The outdoor heat exchanger 10 is placed onthe intermediate divider 2 x along the left side plate, upper frontplates 3A and 4A and the right side plate 5 of the housing 2 such thatthe outdoor heat exchanger 10 is close to these plates. The internalspace of the outdoor heat exchanger 10 communicates with fan housings 8and 9 via the ventilation openings of top plates 6 and 7, respectively.Outdoor fans 11 and 12 are provided at positions corresponding to fanhousings 8 and 9.

Refrigeration cycle constituting components 30 and an electricalcomponent box 40 are housed in the machinery chamber 2B. Therefrigeration cycle constituting components 30 collectively mean acompressor, a four-way valve, a receiver tank, an accumulator, etc. Theelectrical component box 40 houses a plurality of drive circuits whichdrive the compressor, outdoor fans 11 and 12, etc., and a circuit board41. For example, the internal components of the machinery chamber 2B areexchanged or fixed by removing lower front plates 3B and 4B.

When outdoor fans 11 and 12 rotate, external air is drawn into the heatexchange chamber 2A through the ventilation openings of the left sideplate, ventilation openings 3 a and 4 a of upper front plates 3B and 4Band ventilation openings 5 a of the right side plate 5. The drawn airpasses through the outdoor heat exchanger 10, and further goes throughoutdoor fans 11 and 12 and fan housings 8 and 9. Subsequently, the airis discharged to the outside of the housing 2. The air passing throughthe outdoor heat exchanger 10 exchanges heat with a refrigerant flowingthrough the outdoor heat exchanger 10.

A communication unit 20 is provided at a position corresponding to, ofventilation openings 4 a of upper front plate 4A, for example, thesecond ventilation opening 4 a from the top, between upper front plate4A of the housing 2 and the outdoor heat exchanger 10. The heightposition of the second ventilation opening 4 a from the top issubstantially equivalent to the eye level of a worker standing next tothe housing 2.

When an information terminal 100 is close to the communication unit 20within a very short distance of each other, for example, withinapproximately 1 to 10 cm of each other, the communication unit 20operates with the electricity generated by electromagnetic induction dueto radio waves transmitted from the information terminal 100, andperforms contactless data communication with the information terminal100, using the near-field communication (NFC) technology. As shown inFIG. 2, the communication unit 20 includes an antenna 21, atransmitter-receiver 22, a CPU 23, a memory 24 and a communicationcircuit 25.

The antenna 21 transmits or receives radio waves to/from the nearbyinformation terminal 100. The transmitter-receiver 22 transmits orreceives a signal through the antenna 21, and loads the radio wavesreceived in the antenna 21 as the operation power of the communicationunit 20. The CPU 23 performs various processes for data communication.The memory 24 stores a program necessary to control the CPU 23, andtemporarily stores received data and transmitted data. The communicationcircuit 25 performs data communication between the CPU 23 and acontroller 42 via a signal line.

An outside air temperature sensor which detects outside air temperatureis also housed in the communication unit 20.

The controller 42 controls the operation of the refrigeration cycleconstituting components 30 and the drive circuits of the outdoor unit 1in cooperation with an indoor unit included in the air conditioningapparatus as well as the outdoor unit 1. The controller 42 is providedon the circuit board 41 of the machinery chamber 2B as well as a powercircuit 43. The power circuit 43 is connected to a commercial AC source50 provided in a building via a supply cable, and loads the AC voltageof the commercial AC source 50 as the operation power of the outdoorunit 1.

The users, and the administrator and the serviceman of the airconditioning apparatus can easily enter the building in which thecommercial AC source 50 is provided. However, the other people cannotenter the building. For example, the security of the building in whichthe commercial AC source 50 is provided is controlled. Only theregistered users, and the administrator and serviceman of the airconditioning apparatus can enter the building. Thus, the operation forturning the commercial AC source 50 on and off can be performed by theusers, and the administrator and serviceman of the air conditioningapparatus. However, this operation cannot be performed by the otherpeople.

The controller 42 includes a first control section 42 a, a secondcontrol section 42 b, a third control section 42 c, a fourth controlsection 42 d and a memory 42 e as main functions related to the datasetting and diagnosis for the outdoor unit 1.

The first control section 42 a permits data setting from the informationterminal 100 via the communication unit 20 only for a certain period t1safter the outdoor unit 1 (the commercial AC source 50) is turned on.Specifically, the first control section 42 a receives data input fromthe information terminal 100 via the communication unit 20 only for acertain period t1s after the outdoor unit 1 is turned on.

When the received data is data related to the operation of the outdoorunit 1, the second control section 42 b performs a data setting processfor setting the data as the operation data of the outdoor unit 1. Theprocess for setting the operation data is completed by the update andstorage in the memory 42 e.

When the received data is an instruction for diagnosis for the outdoorunit 1, the third control section 42 c performs a diagnosis process fordiagnosing the state of the outdoor unit 1 and notifying the informationterminal 100 of the diagnosis via the communication unit 20.

Near the end of the certain period t1s, the fourth control section 42 dnotifies the information terminal 100 of the fact via the communicationunit 20. When the fourth control section 42 d receives an instruction toextend the period from the information terminal 100 in response to thenotification via the communication unit 20, the fourth control section42 d extends the certain period t1s.

Now, this specification explains the control performed by the controller42 with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3.

When the outdoor unit 1 is installed or moved, or maintenance orinspection is performed for the trouble of the air conditioningapparatus, the administrator or serviceman of the air conditioningapparatus sets data related to the operation of the outdoor unit 1 ordiagnoses the state of the outdoor unit 1. At this time, theadministrator or serviceman of the air conditioning apparatus enters thebuilding in which the commercial AC source 50 is provided, and turns thecommercial AC source 50 on. The administrator or serviceman of the airconditioning apparatus is hereinafter referred to as a worker.

When the commercial AC source 50 is turned on (power-on; YES in stepS1), the controller 42 starts a time count t1 from zero (step S2), andcompares the time count t1 with a predetermined certain period (defaultvalue) t1s (step S3). The certain period t1s includes a sufficient timefor a worker to perform operation necessary for the above data settingprocess and the diagnosis process, and is set to, for example,approximately five to eight hours.

When the time count t1 is less than the certain period t1s (NO in stepS3), the controller 42 permits a data setting process and a diagnosisprocess based on data communication between the information terminal 100and the communication unit 20 (step S4).

Based on this permission, the worker can perform operation necessary fora data setting process and operation necessary for a diagnosis process.The worker comes close to upper front plate 4A of the housing 2, andholds the information terminal 100 close to the second ventilationopening 4 a of upper front plate 4A from the top. The worker operatesthe information terminal 100 close to the ventilation opening 4 a andperforms contactless data communication between the information terminal100 and the communication unit 20. For the information terminal 100, forexample, a tablet information terminal or a smartphone informationterminal is used.

The controller 42 receives data input from the information terminal 100via the communication unit 20. When the received data is data related tothe operation of the outdoor unit 1, the controller 42 performs a datasetting process for setting the received data as the operation data ofthe outdoor unit 1. When the received data is an instruction fordiagnosis for the outdoor unit 1, the controller 42 performs a diagnosisprocess for diagnosing the state of the outdoor unit 1 and notifying theinformation terminal 100 of the diagnosis via the communication unit 20.

The operation data set by the above data setting process includes, forexample, various parameters related to the operation of the outdoor unit1 (for example, outside air temperature, refrigerant temperature, theoperating frequency of the compressor, and the address codes of aplurality of indoor units), and a control program (for example,firmware) for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 1. The statediagnosed by the above diagnosis process includes, for example, theoperation history of the outdoor unit 1, and the details of failure ofthe outdoor unit 1.

The operation for a data setting process and the operation for adiagnosis process can be sufficiently completed within the certainperiod t1s if no problem occurs in the procedure of the operation, etc.Based on the permission of step S4, the controller 42 determines whetheror not the time count t1 has reached a predetermined period “t1s−Δta”less than the certain period t1s by period Δta (step S5). Period Δta isset to notify the worker that the time count t1 is close to the certainperiod t1s. Period Δta is, for example, approximately five minutes. Whenthe time count t1 is less than the predetermined period “t1s−Δta” (NO instep S5), the controller 42 returns to step S3 and continues to comparethe time count t1 with the certain period t1s.

When the time count t1 has reached the predetermined period “t1s-Δta”(YES in step S5), the controller 42 notifies the information terminal100 that the end of the process permissible period approaches via thecommunication unit 20 (step S6).

After the reception of the notification, the information terminal 100notifies the worker that the end of the process permissible period isclose by displaying an image or producing beep sound. After thereception of the notification, the worker determines whether or not thecurrent operation can be completed by the end of the process permissibleperiod.

When the worker determines that the current operation cannot becompleted by the end of the operation permissible period, the workerinstructs the controller 42 to extend the period from the informationterminal 100 via the communication unit 20. When the controller 42receives the instruction to extend the period (YES in step S7), thecontroller 42 adds period Δtb (>Δta) to the certain period t1s, and setst1s+Δtb as a new certain period t1s (step S8). Period Δtb is, forexample, one hour. The controller 42 returns to step S3 and continues tocompare the time count t1 with the new certain period t1s.

When the worker determines that the current operation can be completedby the end of the operation permissible period, the worker continues theoperation without issuing the above instruction to extend the period. Inthis case, the controller 42 does not receive an instruction to extendthe period (NO in step S7). Thus, the controller 42 returns to step S3and continues to compare the time count t1 with the certain period(default value) t1s without updating the certain period t1s.

When the time count t1 has reached the certain period t1s (YES in stepS3), the controller 42 prohibits a data setting process based on datacommunication between the information terminal 100 and the communicationunit 20 (step S9). A diagnosis process based on data communicationbetween the information terminal 100 and the communication unit 20 maybe continuously permitted, or may be prohibited in addition to a datasetting process.

As described above, a data setting process is prohibited after the timecount t1 has reached the certain period t1s. Thus, data cannot be setfor the outdoor unit 1 even if a third party performs data communicationwith the communication unit 20 from his/her information terminal 100. Inthis way, it is possible to enhance the security and reliability forunauthorized access from a third party. Even if a third party tries tomake an unauthorized change to the preset data of the outdoor unit 1,the change can be prevented.

In particular, the outdoor unit 1 is provided outside, and anyone cancome close to the outdoor unit 1. Further, data communication using theNFC technology does not require a coupling process for establishingcommunication with the information terminal 100. Thus, it is importantto enhance the security against unauthorized access from a third partyas described above in terms of the safe operation and reliability of theair conditioning apparatus.

While the worker performs operation for a data setting process, the timecount t1 may reach the certain period t1s, and the process may beprohibited. In this case, the worker should merely enter the building,turn the commercial AC source 50 off (power-off), and turn it on again(power-on).

Based on the prohibition of step S9, the controller 42 monitors theshutdown (power-off) of the commercial AC source 50 (YES in step S10).When the commercial AC source 50 is turned off (YES in step S10), thecontroller 42 stores, in the memory 42 d, the processing content of thecontroller 42 immediately before the shutdown of the commercial ACsource 50 (step S11), and sets the certain period ts1 to the defaultvalue (step S12). The controller 42 returns to step S1 and monitorspower-on.

When the commercial AC source 50 is turned on again (power-on) (YES instep S1), the controller 42 repeats the process from step S2. In thiscase, the controller 42 continuously restarts the data setting processstopped by the above prohibition based on the processing content storedin the memory 42 d. In this manner, the worker can complete theoperation for the data setting process.

When data communication is performed between the information terminal100 and the communication unit 20, the radio waves emitted from theinformation terminal 100 are not disturbed by magnetic upper front plate4A and effectively reach the communication unit 20 through ventilationopenings 4 a. Similarly, the radio waves emitted from the communicationunit 20 are not disturbed by magnetic upper front plate 4A andeffectively reach the information terminal 100 through ventilationopenings 4 a.

The worker merely holds the information terminal 100 close toventilation opening 4 a and operates the information terminal 100. Thereis no need to remove upper front plate 4A and attach it again. Thus, nocomplicated work is required. In this way, the workload of the workercan be reduced, and the working time can be reduced.

Even when a large number of outdoor units 1 are provided, and their sideplates are tightly adjacent to each other, the respective communicationunits 20 are provided on the front sides of the housings 2. Thus, datacommunication can be easily and steadily performed with thecommunication units 20 of all the outdoor units 1.

In the above embodiment, the communication unit 20 is provided at aposition corresponding to the second ventilation opening 4 a of upperfront plate 4A from the top. However, the height position is not limitedto this example, and can be appropriately determined. For example, interms of security, the communication unit 20 may be provided at aposition corresponding to a lower ventilation opening 4 a as theinternal side is difficult to see as a matter of course.

The above embodiment is explained, using the example in which thecertain period t1s is set to approximately five to eight hours. However,the certain period t1s may be appropriately determined based on the typeand the number of outdoor units 1, and the experience or skill of theworker.

In the above embodiment, a data setting process is prohibited at the endof the certain period t1s after the power-on. However, when theoperation state or history of the outdoor unit 1 should not be seen bythird parties, a process for reading data which should not be seen bythird parties can be prohibited at the end of the certain period t1safter the power-on in addition to the prohibition of the data settingprocess.

The above embodiment is explained, using the example of an outdoor unitfor an air conditioning apparatus as an outdoor unit for a refrigerationcycle apparatus. However, the embodiment is not limited to an outdoorunit for an air conditioning apparatus. The embodiment may be appliedto, for example, an air-cooled chilling unit, a heat source unit for aheat-pump water heater, a heat source unit for a heat-pump warmingapparatus, and a refrigerator connected to a refrigerated showcase.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Outdoor unit-   2 Housing-   3 Front plate-   3 a Ventilation opening-   4 Front plate-   4 a Ventilation opening-   5 Right side plate-   5 a Ventilation opening-   6 and 7 Top plates-   8 and 9 Fan housings-   10 Outdoor heat exchanger-   11 and 12 Outdoor fans-   20 Communication unit-   42 Controller-   42 a First control section-   42 b Second control section-   42 c Third control section-   42 e Memory-   50 Commercial AC source-   100 Information terminal

What is claimed is:
 1. An outdoor unit comprising: a communication unitwhich performs contactless data communication with an informationterminal close to the outdoor unit; and a controller which permits datasetting from the information terminal via the communication unit onlyfor a certain period after the outdoor unit is turned on.
 2. The outdoorunit of claim 1, further comprising: a housing comprising a ventilationopening; an outdoor heat exchanger housed in the housing; and a housingwhich houses the outdoor heat exchanger and comprises a ventilationopening for supplying outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger, whereinthe communication unit is provided at a position corresponding to theventilation opening in the outdoor heat exchanger.
 3. The outdoor unitof claim 1, wherein the controller receives data input from theinformation terminal via the communication unit for the certain periodafter the outdoor unit is turned on, and when the received data is datarelated to operation of the outdoor unit, the controller sets the dataas operation data of the outdoor unit.
 4. The outdoor unit of claim 3,wherein when the received data is an instruction for diagnosis for theoutdoor unit, the controller diagnoses a state of the outdoor unit 1 andnotifies the information terminal of a diagnosis via the communicationunit.
 5. The outdoor unit of claim 1, wherein near an end of the certainperiod, the controller notifies the information terminal that the end ofthe certain period approaches via the communication unit, and when thecontroller receives an instruction to extend the period from theinformation terminal via the communication unit in response to thenotification, the controller extends the certain period.
 6. The outdoorunit of claim 1, wherein the communication unit operates withelectricity generated by electromagnetic induction due to a radiowaveemitted from the information terminal, and performs contactless datacommunication by a near-field communication technology with theinformation terminal.